World Events Today
- Due to his deteriorating eyesight, Samuel Pepys recorded the final entry in his diary today in 1669, the diary provided detailed accounts of the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London
- South Africa became independent as the Union of South Africa on this day in 1910, and became a republic on this day in 1961
- RMS Titanic, the infamous British passenger liner, was launched today in 1911 in Belfast
Entertainment Events Today
- The American actor James Stewart, who starred in many movies, including It’s a Wonderful Life, officially retired from the United States Air Force today in 1968, he had served 27 years and had also received the Distinguished Service Medal
- Geri Halliwell, Ginger Spice, announced that she had left the successful British girl band The Spice Girls, today in 1998
- The British preschool animated television series Peppa Pig aired for the first time today in 2004 on the Channel 5 network in the United Kingdom
Family Events Today
- The American actor, director, and politician Clint Eastwood, star of Rawhide and the Dirty Harry movies, was born today in 1930 in San Francisco
- The American actress Brooke Shields, star of The Blue Lagoon, was born today in 1965 in New York
- The Irish actor Colin Farrell, star of Phone Booth and In Bruges, was born today in 1976 in Dublin
Main Event Today
- The Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, was completed today in 1859, it was at that time known as The Clock Tower
National Day Today
- Today, it’s National Macaroon Day